Tuesday, 2 June 2015

The Woes of Smart-Casual

Me and my buddy were talking the other day about dress code. And do you know the thing we both hated the most? No? Then i shall tell you. It's that phrase we all hear so often; Smart-Casual. This simple phrase sends my clothes styling mind into overload.. How casual is it? How Smart is it? Heels or flats? Is it dress or jeans? TELL ME MORE THAN SMART -CASUAL PLEASE!! You see, i am an obsessive over-thinker and this kind of dress code is enough to send this poor little mind in to overload. You don't want to be the person who turns up and is way smarter or god forbid more casual than anyone else. So with this little outfit i think i've finally managed the dreaded smart-casual dress code.A Blazer always adds an air of smart business, even if it is a pretty pastel blue. The structured jacket just looks pulled together.Jeans, a complete fail safe for me. When in doubt wear jeans, you can't go far wrong with a great fitting pair of jeans. These girlfriend jeans are beyond amazing..(more on that in a mo)
Heels in the form of wedges; not too dressy, its like the perfect heel that was made for smart-casual events.
Then, a pretty blouse in the form of this gorgeous Apricot Clothing crochet number, their tops are so perfect for adding some pretty detailed interest to an outfit.
Finishing off with a big clutch, because clutches are always a good idea and a pretty necklace that brings it all together just nicely.
So this is my Smart-Casual look. Woes be gone! I think i've finally cracked it. Have you mastered Smart-Casual? Or do you over think it like me?

Oh and the jeans? Well move over boyfriend, i am all about the girlfriend! They are just the perfect fit. I found out last year that House of Fraser have the best range of jeans and this pair is just more proof of that. They are the Warehouse Girlfriend jeans. They have all the comfort or a boyfriend jean with the stretch and same style with the turn up, but with less material, less baggy so to speak. So if you've ever been conscious of adding extra inches when wearing baggy boyfriend jeans, girlfriends may be for you. I'm a total convert!

14 comments

I have never tried a girlfriend jean before - my guess they are like a skinny boyfriend - a bit more streamlined? The blazer jeans combo is my go to for casual Fridays at work or Business casual as we call it in NA.

Oh. My. God. I was just talking about this with my husband this weekend. We went to dinner at an "upscale casual" place. Figuring that out, especially for a guy, is just annoying. You nailed the look though. Those shoes are so fantastic too!

Thanks for linking up with #reasontodress and me.l,Vickywww.themummychronicles.com

I think a smallish heel or a wedge is always good for smart casual. Jeans are fine but with a blazer as you suggest and not a leather biker jacket! it is a tricky one and I would always go for being slight dressed up as opposed to more dressed down, just to be on the safe side. Your outfit is fab, love the shoes. Lorraine x